Week two for the Montreal Canadiens… Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
- An overtime loss to Buffalo, where the Habs got scorched on the PK.
- A loss in the home opener at the Bell Centre, their worst performance of the season.
- A win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion St Louis Blues where everyone showed up to play.
As promised in the first blog, let’s take a look at the positives from the week.
1- They beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions. This is a tall task, no pun intended. Every team will be ready to play when they go up against the Blues, but much of the dialogue going into Saturday’s match-up was the perceived disadvantage the Canadiens have with their lack of size. They went toe-to-toe and got a full team effort. I actually had someone send me a message saying that “the St Louis Blues were in town for two days partying and won’t step up their game until it matters most. The Canadiens have to scratch and crawl to get into the playoffs and will be burnt out 30 games into the season.” Sheesh, really sounds like a lose/lose proposition. If they win you rip them and if they lose you rip them. They won the game and at this point of the season, it’s all that matters. Let things play out a little bit before worrying about January.
2- The fans showed love for Jonathan Drouin. I realize how quickly things can change, a long slump and fans will be on his case again. But it’s been great to not have to take calls during the Delmar Post Game show complaining about the lack of production from Drouin. He’s picked up a point in every game this year and is developing nice chemistry with Jesperi Kotkamiemi and Joel Armia. Being in the rink on Saturday, you couldn’t help but feel good for the guy when fans gave him a standing ovation during his post game interview. Yes, Montreal can be a tough place to play but when things are going well, there’s no better place to play.
“It’s cool, I’m not the only one… Everyone loves playing at the Bell Centre and it’s an honor to do so,” said Drouin post game.
3- Max Domi continues to play with extreme passion. Remember when GM Marc Bergevin referenced the fact that he wants guys to play with passion? Domi embodies his vision. After Alex Pietrangelo delivered a solid shot to the head that went uncalled, all eyes turned to the Canadiens’ point leader from a season ago. He ends up scoring into the empty net and instead of celebrating the goal, berated the Blues’ captain. A trade that was mocked when it was made, is looking like pure larceny at this point.
“I definitely didn’t like it, I don’t know who would like to be skating down the ice and get blindsided with an elbow or stick,” Domi told the TSN 690 morning show.
4- Claude has his pulse on the team. Count me among those who were skeptical about a pairing featuring Ben Chiarot and Christan Folin. Turns out against a heavy team like the St Louis Blues, they were stable. It was Chiarot’s best showing with Montreal by far. And how about the most beautiful pass of the night, tape to tape to set up Drouin’s goal.
“It’s called coaching, guys.” (Julien at some point)
5- Shea Weber lays the smackdown. We don’t have to see Weber impose himself physically every night. But seeing him level Oscar Sundqvist Saturday might have been my favorite moment of the week.
(Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh)
